Modern day slavery in London – Your Duty to identify and protect victims

Modern day slavery can take many forms including the trafficking of people. Forced labour servitude and slavery.

According to the Human Trafficking Foundation there is considerable evidence that London is the hub for human trafficking and slavery in the UK, and yet many staff in statutory authorities, from social workers to housing officers struggle to identify many cases even though there is now a statutory duty to notify the Home Office about potential victims.

'Safeguarding Adults' just means protecting people who are at risk of harm or abuse because they are vulnerable in some way perhaps because of age, disability or illness.

The LSAB aims to ensure: 'Safeguarding is everybody's business: that all adults at risk in Lewisham will be protected from harm and be helped to protect themselves, wherever and whenever those needs arise'.

Most victims come to light after they have escaped the trafficking situation. However this is not always the first time they used the NHS. Points of contact during the exploitation occur in:

GP surgeries

Walk-in centres

A&E departments

Sexual health clinics

Terminations of pregnancies

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 introduced a duty to notify the Home Office about suspected victim of trafficking for selected public authorities. The NHS is exempt from this duty but encouraged to make voluntary notifications.

If you are worried that someone you know is involved in modern slavery or want to know more about your duty to identify and protect victims, please look at this presentation from the Human Trafficking Foundation or visit these useful websites.